Business Impact Analysis
OVerVIew
A business impact analysis (BIA) is performed within each department to identify and prioritize essential
processes . An essential process is defined as a process that if not performed will disrupt operations, interfere
with patient care, prevent meeting of mandatory regulations/requirements, or inhibit the meeting of the
agency’s mission .
Each department should complete the business impact analysis and identify the specific essential functions
needed to perform patient care services or maintain operations . The departments should also identify a return
to operation or “RTO . ” RTO is the amount of time and service level within the department in which the process
must be restored after an emergency event in order to avoid severe consequences . Once the department has a
list of essential functions, each function should be prioritized as to its impact on restoring to normal operations .
The agency then shall take each department BIA and prioritize the essential functions based on the agencies
operational needs to restore operations and to guide resource allocations .
A Business Impact Analysis Template is provided in Exhibit G .
exhibit G: Business Impact Analysis Template
Critical
Description
Priority
Impact of loss
rTO
Business
(Describe losses in terms of
(Critical period
financial, staffing, loss of
before business
Activity
reputation, etc.)
losses occur)
Completed by:
Date:
23
Emergency Preparedness Manual
Part 3: Business Continuity Planning